Modern Technology in Qibla Direction Mapping: A Comparative Case Study Between Indonesia and South Korea and Its Implications for Islamic Family Law

Background: Accurate Qibla determination is a fundamental requirement of Islamic worship, requiring the integration of ʿilm al-falak, geospatial technology, and contemporary Islamic jurisprudence. Comparative studies examining its implementation in Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority societies remain limited.

Purpose: This study compares the implementation of modern Qibla determination technologies in Indonesia and South Korea to evaluate their accuracy, institutional support, and implications for contemporary Islamic law from the perspective of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah.

Methods: A qualitative comparative approach was employed through doctrinal legal analysis, literature review, institutional document analysis, and geospatial verification using GPS, GIS, and astronomical software. Artificial intelligence assisted only in literature organization and comparative synthesis under researcher verification.

Results: Modern geospatial technologies provide highly accurate Qibla orientation in both countries. Indonesia demonstrates stronger institutional governance through standardized ʿilm al-falak education and religious authorities, whereas Muslim communities in South Korea rely primarily on digital applications because of limited institutional infrastructure. Effective implementation depends on the integration of technology, legal interpretation, and institutional capacity.

Conclusion: Modern Qibla determination requires harmonizing Islamic astronomy, digital technology, and Islamic legal principles to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and legal certainty across diverse Muslim communities.

Novelty: This study proposes an interdisciplinary framework integrating ʿilm al-falak, geospatial technology, and maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, demonstrating that institutional governance is as important as technological precision in contemporary Qibla determination.